Most people associate allergies with the spring season, although it is not uncommon to experience those hay fever-like symptoms during fall. This is especially true as people start spending more time indoors due to cooler temperatures. Fortunately, there are various simple steps you can take to reduce these allergens. Getting a good air purification system is one of them.
An HVAC repair and indoor air quality specialist take a look at some of the most common fall allergies and how the right air purifier can give you a clean bill of health.
Common Allergens in the Fall
It is important to know the most common allergens in the fall to determine whether or not an air purifier will help alleviate allergy-related symptoms. Here are some of the allergens prevalent this season:
Weeds
While allergies in springtime are often triggered by tree pollen and weeds, fall-related allergies are usually associated with several new leaves that begin to bloom during this time of the year. These include ragweed, mugwort, and English plantain. Even worse, the pollen of these fall weeds is much smaller and therefore more difficult to see.
Dust Mites
As the temperature drops in the fall months, people tend to spend more time inside their homes. While this keeps you warm and comfortable, it also exposes you to the most prevalent indoor allergen — which is dust mites. Also called bed mites, these microscopic bugs prefer warm and humid environments. They tend to settle in upholstery, bedding, and other fabric-covered surfaces.
Pet Dander
Another common cause of fall-related allergies is pet dander. Contrary to popular belief, pet dander is not hair but minuscule flecks of skin that can linger in the air like dust. When people with cat or dog allergies breathe it in, they can start to feel a host of symptoms similar to those with pollen allergies. Some people also experience allergic reactions to the proteins found in pet saliva, feces, and urine. When these substances dry, the particles can infiltrate the air and be inhaled. Even if you are not allergic to pet dander, your pets will carry outdoor allergens into your home at any time. To prevent these complications, you must bathe your pets at least once a week.
Cockroaches
Not many homeowners realize that cockroaches are also an allergy trigger during the fall. While these insects are most prevalent in the spring and summer months, they remain active all year round as long as the temperature indoors is above 50 degrees. Unlike some other common fall allergies, you can take precautionary measures to get rid of these pests — such as keeping the kitchen clean and ensuring food is stored correctly. If you have a severe roach infestation, contact a pest control company to eliminate and prevent it from coming back.
Mold
Leaf mold thrives in the fall as it results from letting leaves sit and decompose over time. Much like compost, it is dark brown or black and has a brittle, crumbly texture. Unfortunately, while mold helps the breakdown of fallen leaves, it also releases mold spores that end up covering much of the ground at the same time. To prevent leaf mold from entering your home, reduce time spent outdoors and avoid using outdoor shoes inside.
Common Symptoms of Fall Allergies
Once you learn how to identify your triggers and spot the symptoms, you should have no problem managing your fall allergies. Here is a list of symptoms of fall allergies:
-
watery, itchy, or irritated eyes
-
sneezing, runny nose, or nasal congestion
-
rashes or hives on the skin
-
itchy throat
-
headaches
-
aggravated asthma symptoms, including coughing or wheezing
-
difficulty in breathing
-
in severe cases, anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction)
How Air Purifiers Help With Fall Allergies
According to heating and air conditioner maintenance companies, an air purifier traps dust, pollen, and other allergens floating in the air you and your family breathe. This device takes in air, runs it through a filtration system, and sends it back into the room. When combined with other indoor air quality measures — such as adequate ventilation — it provides an effective means of capturing airborne contaminants.
Keep in mind that different air purifiers provide different benefits depending on their specifications. When looking for an air purifier, you also need to consider what air pollutants you want to filter and the size of the room you will be using it in. An air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter can remove a broader spectrum of allergens from indoor air from summer to early fall.
The Best Air Purifiers
During these times, investing in an air purification system is essential in protecting your health. There are different types of air purifiers you can choose from for your home or business. Here are some of the most effective in managing seasonal allergies:
iWave® Air Purifier
An independent lab testing has proved that iWave® air purifiers significantly reduce mold, bacteria, allergens, pathogens, viruses, and other airborne particles. These particles spread through indoor air and live on nonporous surfaces. iWave can be installed in a duct air conditioning system.
So how does it work? As air passes over the device, it produces ions that extract the hydrogen molecules from harmful pathogens, causing them to die. These ions also bind with pollen and other seasonal allergens so they become large enough to be filtered out by your ventilation system. It also features a self-cleaning design and has no harmful byproducts.
Fresh-Aire UV® Germicidal Light System
This air purifying system is designed for commercial applications. It features a Blue-Tube XL light that uses ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to maintain the good indoor air quality in large commercial buildings. It sterilizes allergens, bacteria, and viruses and has a guaranteed 99.9% disinfection of surfaces.
Need Professional Help?
Cafco Services is one of the premier HVAC installation companies throughout the Cincinnati area. Our top-rated services include indoor air quality solutions, such as identifying and eliminating pollutants inside homes and businesses. Get in touch with our professional team, contact (513) 242-3400, or fill out our convenient contact form.